The need for VIVA: A concerted effort was made over the past decade to bring about ‘man-making’ education in India by the Value Education team of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, under the spiritual and pragmatic guidance of Swami Shantatmananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Delhi. The impact of programs such as Success Formula, The Awakened Citizen Program and Awakening, led to a demand from educationists who wanted more such targeted programs for different groups of the society. The National Education Policy, 2020 also emphasized the importance of introducing values in formal education at all levels. This led to the creation of an umbrella institution under which the various value-based programs of the Ramakrishna Mission may be conceptualized and offered to the society at large. 

VIVA is responsible for spreading universal and eternal human values, which form the foundation of a meaningful and truly fulfilled life. These human values are based on Swami Vivekananda’s life-giving ideas , ( self-belief, strength, freedom, mastery of senses, courage, sense of one-ness etc.) which enable human beings to realize their full potential and live in harmony with themselves and others. The programs are inclusive and encourage a spirit of enquiry and search for truth.